Independiente Rivadavia beat Estudiantes de Río Cuarto 2-1 at the Bautista Gargantini stadium to collect three important points in round four of the Torneo Clausura. Álex Arce scored both Mendoza goals in the second half and became the decisive figure in a match that had reached half-time goalless.
The game opened up 25 minutes into the second half. A Nicolás Talpone handball inside the area led to a penalty after review, and Arce converted from the spot to put the Lepra ahead.
Nine minutes later, the Paraguayan captain appeared again to extend the advantage. His brace allowed Alfredo Berti's side to manage the closing stages with a lead that Estudiantes reduced but could not overturn.
Gabriel Alanís made it 2-1 in the 88th minute and the goal was confirmed after a review. The strike brought tension to the final moments, but Independiente Rivadavia protected the result and secured the home victory.
The match also featured Maximiliano Salas's debut after he came on at the start of the second half. The win took the Mendoza side to seven points and third place in Group B, two behind the leaders when the game ended.
The Lepra now turn to a different stage: on Tuesday they visit Fluminense in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Estudiantes de Río Cuarto return to Clausura action on Monday 17, hosting Atlético Tucumán from 2:45 p.m.
